bonding fiberglass panels

[nordvindcrew]

I'm rebuilding a fiberglass boat that I built about three years ago. It is hand laid with 10 oz. cloth, 12 oz. mat then 10 oz.cloth. I've laidup a new bottom panel and new bilge panels and am trimming them to shape for final assembly. what would you recommend as a good way to join them? I'm thinking of using 10 oz. cloth in strips 2",3" and 4" wide bonded with epoxy. would bonding with a combination of mat and cloth and polyester resin work well? When I put the boat together withpolyester resin, there was a bit of delamination going on so I'm a bit worried about structural weakness being built in to the boat. The boat is a 20' double rowing boat with a 52" beam and weighs around 180 pounds. thanks Nordvindcrew

[thedutchtouch]

it should be the same as repairing a fiberglass panel, and i could type it out, but this site gives a nice long detailed step by step: http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/17.htm

[Guest625101138]

Given the panel weight you have I suggest you go for something like the 435gsm double bias tape shown on this link:
http://boatcraft.com.au/Shop/index.p...ex&cPath=40_43
Run a layer inside and outside. The 75mm will should be wide enough.

This tape is much better for joining than ordinary 2-axis woven.

If the chine is severe then you might want to use some filler on the inside to give it a small fillet rather than having the tape making a sharp corner. Similarly, on the outside, smooth down the panels being joined to get a small radius.

[nordvindcrew]

I'd like to re state my question. To bond the material, is epoxy so superior as to justify its use, or will polyester work well enough if done properly. I'm planning to start with one layer of cloth on the outside of the chines to get the boat tied together then turn it right side up to fillet the insides of the chines and bond them with 5 layers of cloth and mat. Turn the boat upside down again to radius the outside of the chines and finish with one layer of mat and cloth.

[Guest625101138]

Originally Posted by nordvindcrew

I'd like to re state my question. To bond the material, is epoxy so superior as to justify its use, or will polyester work well enough if done properly. I'm planning to start with one layer of cloth on the outside of the chines to get the boat tied together then turn it right side up to fillet the insides of the chines and bond them with 5 layers of cloth and mat. Turn the boat upside down again to radius the outside of the chines and finish with one layer of mat and cloth.

I would stick with the existing polyester. I do not know how compatible the different materials are. Make certain the old surface are cleaned and fresh to get a good bond.